Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Working Group

The OEIG has an internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Working Group. Our Working Group is comprised of OEIG employee volunteers from each division who work together to brainstorm, research, and implement steps to make the OEIG an inclusive and equitable working environment that celebrates diversity. All employees are welcome to join the Working Group and/or submit ideas and suggestions. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Working Group specifically focuses on three areas: mentorship and development, recruitment and hiring, and training.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Working Group Year-End Report

The Working Group outlined its work in 2022 in this Year-End Report. You can also access the Working Groups report from July 2020 - July 2021 here.

Some of the highlights outlined in the report and below, include:

• Standardizing the onboarding of OEIG employees to ensure a baseline of inclusive connection in a hybrid work environment.  
• Updating the position descriptions to change the way minimum requirements are explained and categorized; eliminated requirements that were not necessary for the position; and ensured the language in the description was gender neutral.  We also added additional information about the availability of reasonable accommodations. 
• Establishing an internal mentorship program open to all employees to provide continuing support and development opportunities for our staff.
• Creating opportunities to discuss matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and raise issues to senior managers.  For example, we facilitated an internal discussion regarding implicit bias and another discussion about burnout.

OEIG Connect

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Working Group also established a group that meets throughout the year to discuss issues related to marginalized groups and identities, such as race, gender, and ability. Before an OEIG Connect meeting, we circulate questions and topics, read articles, and/or listen to podcasts and then discuss them together as a group. At OEIG Connect we share our experiences and ideas to create a safe place to connect and learn from one another.

OEIG Mentorship Program

The OEIG Mentorship Program is a voluntary program open to all employees. The program is designed to provide support, guidance, and development, leadership, and community for both mentees and mentors through a program of one-on-one mentorship and group mentorship activities. The goals of Mentorship Program include:

• Support newer employees in understanding the organization's mission, structure, processes, and values.
• Share the skills and knowledge among employees.
  
• Provide support in locating and accessing organizational resources.
• Foster open communication and dialogue.
  
• Bring employees together to establish a network of professionals.